NATURE OF WORK:
The Building Inspector portion of the position involves conducting thorough inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial structures throughout all phases of construction. The inspector verifies that work aligns with approved plans, adopted building codes, and all applicable permit requirements. This includes evaluating structural components, electrical, and mechanical installations for proper design, materials, and workmanship. The inspector documents findings and communicates deficiencies to contractors and property owners. The role requires strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret complex code provisions while maintaining clear, professional communication on job sites.
The Code Enforcer portion focuses on applying North Chicago’s housing and property maintenance codes in a fast-paced, customer-service-oriented environment. The inspector identifies violations, issues citations when necessary, and provides clear guidance to property owners and tenants. This role emphasizes respectful communication, consistent enforcement of adopted codes, and collaboration with other City departments when addressing property conditions.
Work involves traveling from City offices by vehicle to locations located within the City for the purpose of inspecting buildings, structures or premises, and to assess the condition of such locations in relation to the codes enforced by the City. Inspections are performed in locations that include the exterior, or interior of any site that may be below grade, or inspection of rooms, halls, stairs, roofs or any other structure or building component.
Employee uses judgment in determining code violations and the immediacy of the needed repairs. Employee is responsible for completing work according to City work rules and safety regulations. Guidance is provided via the City Code, City policies and procedures, applicable state and federal laws and regulations, ensuring that housing code initiatives are met.
Work in support of inspections is performed in City offices. Legal action is initiated by this position with the need for court or hearing testimony presented under oath. Safety equipment such as steel-toed shoes, are worn as well as other safety equipment as needed, and inspection equipment such as recorders, computers, tape measures, circuit testers, smoke detector testers, and other equipment is carried by the inspector on inspections. This position requires on call availability during the heating season to respond to emergency calls.
Work is evaluated at least annually with respect to progress toward achieving goals, customer service skills, ability to work productively and effectively with employees at all levels in the organization and the general public.
SUPERVISION
The Building Inspector/Code Enforcer work is performed under the direction and comprehensive guidance of the Building Inspections Manager.
PUBLIC CONTACT
The position has daily contact with property owners, City employees, tenants, contractors, and elected officials. Employee will work with other departments in the course of inspections which may include Police and Fire Departments. Employee will provide positive customer services to residents of community and landowners in understanding City ordinances, codes and regulations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, employee will be required to work in outside conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and may range from moderate to extreme in the field. Employee may be exposed to various environments that require use of safety equipment and knowledge to identify and properly handle safety hazards.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.
This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent (some college education preferred in the areas of civil technology, and/or construction management). Three years’ code enforcement experience; or any combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:
- Considerable knowledge of building construction; International Building and Property Maintenance Codes; general construction principles and practices.
- Ability to read, understand and interpret code books, ordinances, maps, policies, procedures, journals, newspapers, letters, reports, and legal documents.
- Ability to write reports and memos with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.
- Ability to speak before an audience with poise, voice control, and confidence, using correct English and well-modulated voice.
- Ability to multi-task variable duties and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to use Microsoft products such as Word and Outlook (for email). A basic understanding of Microsoft Access is a plus. The ability to use computer resources such as the internet and GIS for conducting job related research. Ability and willingness to learn and utilize new proprietary software for inspection purposes and the knowledge of how to use and properly care for laptop computers is a must.
- Ability to follow established timelines and use good judgment when working on a property inspection case file.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job which includes:
- Ability to lift medium weight objects, open and close building windows and doors, apply pressure to building components as part of inspection.
- Ability to use and operate inspection tools and equipment.
- Ability to work indoors with possible exposure to human, animal, and rodent fecal matter; rodents and pests; inadequate ventilation, lack of light, filth and other unsanitary conditions.
- Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
- Ability to perform moderate manual work daily including sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping and climbing.
- Ability to focus on small and distant objects, recognize depth of objects, stand for long periods of time, work outdoors at night with reduced lighting, talk and hear.
- Ability to use machines, tools, equipment, associated with this type of work but not limited to automobile, flashlight, room thermometer, cellular telephone, code books, tape recorder, personal computer, software, measuring devices, hammer, screwdriver, shovel, awl, camera, and electrical devices.
- Hand-eye coordination necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.
- Ability to stand, sit, walk, use hand to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, and reach with hands and arms.
- Employee must occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Valid driver’s license allowing driving in Illinois and a safe driving record. Must obtain International Code Council (ICC) Certification for IPMC (64) within six (6) months and Residential Building Inspector (B1) within one (1) year of employment. Prior home inspection experience preferred.
Home inspectors are encouraged to apply.
DISCLAIMER:
The City of North Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, military or veteran status (except dishonorable discharge), disability or any other status protected by law.
This job description describes a general category of jobs. To meet the needs of City government or its departments, employees may be assigned other duties,in addition to or in lieu of any of those described and duties are subject to change as requirements of the job change.
The omission of a duty does not exclude it from the position if the duty is similar, related or a logical expectation for an individual to perform as part of the job responsibilities or if necessary to assist the City to provide services to the public under changed or unusual circumstances.
